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Curious Canadian History

David Borys
Canada
World War II
Canadian Military
Second World War
Canadian Punk Rock
Holocaust
Group Of Seven
First World War
United States
Indigenous Peoples
Avril Lavigne
Sum 41
Simple Plan
Cigarette Smoking
Fur Trade
Alcohol
Canadian Identity
Emily Carr
Tobacco Industry
War Of 1812

Historian David Borys dives deep into the fascinating world of Canadian history in this bi-weekly podcast exploring everything from the wonderful to the weird to the downright dark.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes213Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryEducation

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Artwork for Curious Canadian History

Latest Episodes

John A. Macdonald stands as one of the most influential and controversial figures in Canadian history, a political architect whose vision helped bring a nation into being. The first Prime Minister of Canada. His rise through colonial politics, his ce... more

Prince Edward Island is often imagined as a quiet, pastoral place—rolling fields, red sand beaches, and small communities shaped by the rhythms of the sea. But beneath that picturesque surface lies a history that is far more complex, contested, and r... more

In this CCH special episode, we bring together two expert historians for a gripping confrontation of perspectives, examining—and challenging—the significance of two defining Canadian battles of the Second World War: D-Day Phase One and the Battle of ... more

In the heart of the Red River Settlement, a vibrant Métis community forged a distinct identity shaped by kinship, trade, and resistance. The latter half of the 19th century was a time of profound upheaval, when the Red River Resistance challenged Can... more

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Recent Guests

Patrice Dutil
Professor of politics and public administration at Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University
Episode: S11E16 - John A. Macdonald Part 1
Edward MacDonald
Professor Emeritus in the Department of History, University of Prince Edward Island
University of Prince Edward Island
Episode: S11E15 - Prince Edward Island Joins Canada
Alexander Fitzgerald-Black
Executive Director at the Juno Beach Centre Association; author and historian
Juno Beach Centre Association
Episode: S11E14 Battle Series: D-Day Phase One vs. the Battle of the Scheldt
Megan Hamilton
Canadian historian; PhD candidate at King's College London; researcher on WWII training and the Scheldt campaign
Imperial War Museum exhibit contributor; Second World War Research Group
Episode: S11E14 Battle Series: D-Day Phase One vs. the Battle of the Scheldt
Derrick M. Nault
Historian, assistant professor in Indigenous Studies, University of Winnipeg
University of Winnipeg
Episode: S11E13 Red River Reflection: The Myth of François Guilmette
Dr. Nneka D. Dennie
Black feminist scholar specializing in 19th and 20th century African American history
Washington and Lee University
Episode: S11E12 Rise and Rise Again - The Life and Times of Mary Ann Shadd Cary
Colin Coates
Historian, Professor of Canadian Studies, Chair of the Department of Global and Social Studies at Glendon College, York University, President of the Canadian Historical Association
York University
Episode: S11E11 The Frontier Regime of New France under Louis XIV
Dr. Taiwo Bello
Assistant Professor of African History and Affiliate Faculty Member at Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University
Episode: S11E10 Canair Relief and the Nigerian Civil War
Dr. Mark Celinscak
The Louise and Frances Blumkin Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies
University of New Brunswick at Omaha
Episode: S11E9 The Liberation of Bergen Belsen

Host

David Borys
Historian and host providing insightful explorations of Canadian history, engaging with various topics from the attractive to the obscure.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 556 ratings
  • Revisionist history

    To have 11 seasons and having only 2 maybe 3 episodes touching on French-Canadians when speaking about CANADIAN history is entirely ridiculous.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    I_review_U630
    Canada4 months ago
  • 👏

    Pop punk was the music I grew up with. This was the first episode I listened too and it was awesome. Gonna check out dudes book too

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Behindtheblow07
    Canada8 months ago
  • Well Done

    You can be sure these stories are well researched, written and told. The stories are told at a good pace in a tone we can all appreciate and understand. A big thanks for all who are involved in producing such interesting and informative stories.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Colette1812
    Canada2 years ago
  • Advertising has gone too far

    Used to love this podcast (been with it since it was Cool instead of Curious), but the show has become so ad-heavy it’s impossible to enjoy. Two minutes at the beginning, two minutes in the middle. At a minimum. Many of us can’t fast forward all the time—driving, exercising—and this format is intolerable.

    I realize that a free podcast needs to fund itself, but there needs to be a balance. And here it’s become ridiculous.

    Too bad, used to love it. But the ad-heavy content has cost this podcast... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Viking Paul
    Canada3 years ago
  • So Interesting!

    As someone born in Canada but moved to the States when I was five, I didn’t get to learn the history of Canada in school. It is amazing and interesting to learn now and this podcast keeps you wanting to come back for more!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Forever Heel
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the depth and variety of topics covered, often highlighting the informative nature of each episode.
Many reviews note the engaging storytelling style of the host, emphasizing thorough research and an entertaining delivery.
There are critiques about the podcast's balance, particularly regarding representation of indigenous histories in relation to broader Canadian narratives.
Several reviewers express disappointment at the advertising load, which detracts from the listening experience for some long-time fans.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#93
Canada/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S11E15 - Prince Edward Island Joins Canada
Q: Why did PEI oscillate between joining and not joining Confederation during the 1860s and early 1870s?
PEI opposed Confederation under terms that would severely curtail provincial autonomy and fail to solve the land and economic constraints; however, the strategic benefits of a federal railway and improved subsidies eventually tipped the balance, especially after escalating debts and the perceived vulnerability of remaining a small colony.
S11E15 - Prince Edward Island Joins Canada
Q: What are the main issues that PEI brought to the Confederation table?
PEI's crucial concerns centered on the land question—land tenure, the power of absentee landlords, and the inability to freely develop agriculture and settlements—along with demands for better subsidies, transportation links, and economic independence, which made Confederation appealing only under terms that could realistically address these structural problems.
S11E13 Red River Reflection: The Myth of François Guilmette
Q: Why is it important to challenge this legend today?
Challenging the legend emphasizes that history is not settled and that Métis perspectives must shape interpretation. It also demonstrates how easily inaccuracies can become accepted truths when repeated by prominent historians and institutions, underscoring the need for critical source evaluation and community engagement.
S11E13 Red River Reflection: The Myth of François Guilmette
Q: What sparked the myth of François Guilmette, and how did it become accepted as fact?
A rumor lacking a first name circulated during the Reign of Terror, then trial transcripts provided a scaffolding that Métis witnesses used to label a shooter, even though non‑Métis witnesses did not name him. Over time, historians repeated the name without robust sourcing, and public institutions propagated it, turning a rumor into purported history.
S11E13 Red River Reflection: The Myth of François Guilmette
Q: Could you walk our listeners through the Red River Resistance? How did it come about? What was it?
The resistance emerged out of Métis concerns over losing language, land, and legal rights after Rupert's Land was sold to Canada, prompting the Métis to organize a provisional government and resist unconsulted Canadian settlement plans. The episode highlights how leadership, memory, and fear of cultural erasure converged into a defining regional conflict.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Curious Canadian History

What is Curious Canadian History about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The podcast takes listeners on an engaging journey through the diverse and sometimes haunting narratives that shape Canadian history. Each episode features historian David Borys discussing a variety of topics, ranging from the socio-political impacts of historical events to cultural phenomena, delving into not just the celebrated parts of history, but also the lesser-known stories that offer a fuller picture of Canada. The series showcases interviews with experts and historians, enhancing the depth of topics such as military history, indigenous relations, and cultural legacies. Notably, the engaging storytelling style and thorough research make it appealing to a broad audience, including history enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

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1. Canadian History Ehx
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4. CANADALAND
5. The Current

How many episodes of Curious Canadian History are there?

Curious Canadian History launched 10 years ago and published 213 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Curious Canadian History?

Recent guests on Curious Canadian History include:

1. Patrice Dutil
2. Edward MacDonald
3. Alexander Fitzgerald-Black
4. Megan Hamilton
5. Derrick M. Nault
6. Dr. Nneka D. Dennie
7. Colin Coates
8. Dr. Taiwo Bello

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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